The Mayor’s Week in Review: March 18-24

“M’s” the theme this week – don’t ask me why – it just happened that way, starting on Monday:                                  

Meals on Wheels: Last Monday, the City Council presented a proclamation to this program for its county work with homebound elderly. The proclamation was presented to Debbie Mills, our former City Finance Director, who works with the program, and I rode along with the Meals on Wheels van on the Friday delivery schedule in Mill Valley as part of a national effort to have Mayors get involved: Mayors for Meals. What an amazing, sobering experience it was to participate. For many homebound elderly, we were the only visit they got during the week.  Despite funding from the Older Americans Act, the program, which delivers meals every day throughout the County, runs at a deficit. Learn more and Donate Meals.

Maria Aversa: Maria so kindly donated her time and Mill Valley landmark restaurant, La Ginestra, for a “State of the City” address to local business leaders on Thursday. Having such venues for frank, open discussions between the City and YOU are so very much appreciated. Thank you Maria and La Ginestra.

Miller Avenue: The program management contract for Miller Ave. – which the City Council awarded last week - begins the biggest capital improvement project in the city’s history. 

Multi-Use Path: The city is beginning to evaluate design possibilities for the repaving of the multi-use path, which may include some improvements at the Sycamore crossing. My friend and colleague, Stephanie Moulton-Peters, will be doing some of the legwork for the council along with Cecelia Zamora from our Dept. of Public Works.

Marin TV is broadcasting a number of government programs from throughout the County, including Mill Valley. Enjoy these events, and much more, from the comfort of home: Local Government on TV.

McKinstry: Judge Wiliam McKinstry last week ruled in favor of Mill Valley on all claims brought against it by Richardson Bay Sanitary District: All Claims Rejected. Hooray!

Mill Valley Little League: OK – a bit of a stretch here (the “M” for Mill Valley), but come on: Saturday was the annual Little League parade and opening day ceremonies at Boyle Park. This is an amazing event – it epitomizes the “small town character” we all cherish. The kids are full of hope, the volunteerism is superb, and the day was gorgeous too. A home run! 

Musicians: Summer’s (almost) here and the time is right for dancin’ in the streets. The Mill Valley Arts Commission seeks musicians for 2013 Concerts on the Plaza. Entries must be received by 5 p.m. on Tuesday April 9, 2013. Learn more here: Perform on the Plaza.

Make Money:  The City of Mill Valley Department of Public Works is hiring a Supervising Senior Engineer. Learn more here: I'm qualified for the job. 

Monsoons, mudslides and mayhem: Learn how to prepare for natural disasters -- The National Crime Prevention Association (NCPA) is celebrating Safe Communities this month by providing downloadable resources on disaster preparedness. The site has tips for families regarding necessary supplies and protection techniques. There are also interesting articles on Neighborhood Watch / crime prevention studies – and the link between the two – in reducing not only crime but also terrorism. Please access NCPA for more information. See also: Tsunami Awareness. 

Mother Earth: Have you made Earth Day plans yet? Join community groups, businesses and residents in beautification projects all over Mill Valley! Volunteers are needed for litter brigades and events at area parks, schools, and designated locations around town. So far, participating groups include: Bloomathon, Girl Scouts, Stream Keepers, Neighborhood Associations, Cub Scout Pack 34, Old Mill School, The Chamber of Commerce, Mill Valley Rotary Club, The Redwoods, Friends of Bayfront Meadow, and Mill Valley Middle School! Please contact us to learn more and join the team: ljohnson@cityofmillvalley.org.

Milleys: The Art Commission is holding a Special Workshop on the Milleys (March 25, 2013, from 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. at the Community Center).

Meetings: 

• Planning Commission: Monday night at 7:00 p.m. at City Hall.
• Art Lecture – “Not So Standard: Graphic Art of Ed Ruscha” (Monday night at 7:00 p.m. at the Library).
• “Make our Creeks Healthy” (March 27, at 7:00 p.m. at the Community Center):  Come listen to Laura Chariton, a watershed specialist, speak on creeks and the many factors that affect their health, along with my friend and colleague, Stephanie Moulton-Peters, who will be there to round out the discussion with information on the City’s role in the effort.

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Many thanks and enjoy the week.

Andy